Читать книгу The Lune Valley and Howgills. 40 scenic fell, river and woodland walks онлайн

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WALK 3

Wath to Kelleth

Start Wath (NY 684 049) Distance 4 miles (6.4km) Time 1¾hr Terrain Field paths and quiet lanes Height gain 105m (344ft) Maps Explorer OL19 – Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley Refreshments Lune Spring Garden Centre café, Newbiggin-on-Lune Toilets None Parking Roadside parking at start

Set in a wide valley between Great Asby Scar and the northern extremities of the Howgills, the upper reaches of the Lune’s valley provide lush grazing for cattle and sheep. The main road commandeers the base of the valley, following the embankment built for the Stainmore Railway. However, set further back, field paths and peaceful lanes invite relaxed rambling, with fine views to the wider backdrop of hills. This walk links the hamlets of Kelleth and Wath, both founded as farming settlements.

The Stainmore Railway ran between Darlington and Tebay and was completed in 1861. A strategic east–west route, the line was built by the South Durham & Lancashire Union Railway to transport Durham coke to the steelworks at Furness, and then return with high quality hematite needed for steel production on the Tees. Crossing the Pennines through the Stainmore Gap, the railway’s summit at 457m (1370ft) was the highest of any English main line and, being a particularly scenic route, it helped popularise the Lancashire seaside resorts as a destination for those in the north-east. However, the line remained predominantly used for freight, and after the demise of the Barrow steel industry in 1961 it was closed and the track taken up.